Morocco strongly condemns the acts of violence and the armed clashes which took place on Saturday and led to many deaths, dozens of injuries and a hostage-taking situation, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The ministry said that Morocco follows with deep and genuine concern the serious deterioration of the political and security situation in northern Mali. "Morocco calls on all parties to exercise restraint in making statements and to refrain from any action that could exacerbates tensions and divisions between the components of the Malian people and hamper the process of national reconciliation," the statement added.
